The NC Department of Transportation says crews will close the left lanes heading in and out of Wilmington during maintenance. The closures are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. The lanes should be back open by 5 a.m.

The DOT has also scheduled intermittent lane closures for several days next month for routine inspections. The eastbound right lane will have closures Monday, March 5, through Thursday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The closures will affect the westbound right lane on Wednesday, March 7, and Thursday, March 8, and again from Monday, March 12, through Thursday, March 15, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County citizens are helping make the county a little safer. The Sheriff’s Office announced the launch of its new VIPR program this morning.

VIPR, which stands for Volunteer Intervention Prevention Response, helps with home and business security checks, speed zones and helping with traffic and parking at special events.

Volunteer Coordinator Martin Michaelson says he’s excited to give back to the community.

“We hope to make a significant impact in breaking and enterings, both vehicular and home. We hope to be able to provide a level of comfort to our citizens with regard to the safety on the street and in their homes, and any way that we can assist the sworn deputies, it’ll be our pleasure,” Michaelson said.

VIPR currently has six active volunteers. If you want to learn more, contact the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Community Services Unit at (910) 798-4227